Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-07-05
THE LITERARY EXERCISES.


Grand Grafton by Ex-Governor Geo.
c. Perkins-Poem, Music, Etc.
The literary exercises took place in the
Assembly Chamber at the Capitol. 1t was
l2:45 P. N. before the exercises opened. The
immense hall and galleries were densely
filed with an attentive and intelligent au-
dience that patriotically responded to each
pointed sentiment for country and loyalty.
The platform erected at the east end of the
chamber was tastefully decorated with
national colors and emblems, and occupied
by those who had parts upon the pro-
gramme, the First Artillery Band being
located at the side.
After an overture by the band, Grand
Marshal Bruner introduced he Chaplain
of the Day, Rev. A. c. Herrick, who Of
fered patriotic and fervent prayer.
REMARKS OF MAYOR EUGENE J. GREGORY.
Mayor Gregory was then introduced as
President of the Dav and spoke as follows !:
ladies and FeUolg Citizens: We are assembled
here to-day regardless of birth, nativity wealth
or station, as citizens of one grand common
wealth-the greatest and grandest that the sun
of Gods heaven has ever Shone upon, for The
purpose of paying homage to our forefathers to
show due appreciation of their effor,s. and to
petmeate the heart of every loyal citizen in
the enjoyment of the many benefieent adyant-
ages we now possess. 1t is not my intention TO
burden you with q lengthy address, nor to in
trudc upon the privileges of those who follow
me in the exercises of this afternoon As that
eloquent speaker, the Hon. George c. Perkins
has generously consented 10 impress you with
national truths, the eXemplification of loyalty
and the blessings of freedom, commemorate
with the celebration of our natal day. / feel
that you will sanction my deviation and permit
to- Il
therefore not iutrude upoa your time or patience
in any attempt to dilate upon the proyerbiaI
American Eagle" The Glorious Fourth" nor
upon the stereotyped subjects which generally
form the text for a ith of July address, knowing
that the subjects mentioned will be placed be-
fore you with much more ability and Justice
than can command. | will coniine my re-
marks TO California, and the Capital CITY in
particular. its present and future, as well as to
local matters affecting our interests
The present attraction of immigration to this
our state OF California, is in the natural order
of events that commenced with the immigra-
ton of the Pilgrim Fathers TO Z ymouth Rock,
and has moved on with but one hiatus to the
tune of Westward the Star of Empire Takes
Its Way. The interval was caused by the dis
covery of gold in California.
The westward tide from the New England
States first left It's impress on Pennsylvania and
Ohio. Onward" was the watchWord To the
Mississippi Valley. and then Westward. Ho .
to where the mighty Missouri rolls down to the
sea The Missouri States ana Territories TO the
summit OF the ROCKY Mountains would have
been settled first in the westward march. but
for the discovery of gold i'll California; bat man
YEARLY toiied over and passed the fertile
prairics. and the plains and hills that are now
smiling farms and teeming stock ranges 20 reach
that land whose gold. from her rock-ribbed
hills, was to form the foundation of new EN-
pire on the American continent 1t was not
ill iron bands bound the shores of the mighty
Atlantic 10 the strands of the broad Pacific that
people came to California for pleasure or obser-
vati, n they came to dig for gold, TO seek for
tune, to wrest rough homes from the wilder
ness. Meanwhile the settlement of the prairi
and Missouri States went on. while the territory
this site of the Rockies hsd but reckless
shifting, semi-nomadie population. With dis
tance annihiated by the iron horse. travers-
ing bands of steel and flying ss the wind,
the western march was taken up where
it had left off. and people came to
look and 10 king were fascinated. 1t was not
the immigrant with his slow-paeed OK team.
with all his household goods and gods under
seeking spot of soil from which he might
wiring, by labnrious effort. the sustenance for
himself and family. TWAS not the gold-thirsted
adyenturer. not the usurer seeking investment
for his hoard at unconscionable interest nor
the mere trader for swap and barter. but class
which the United states, and the United States
alone has produced in appreeiable numbers: !
refer to the comfortable class. II is this class
that has made what is called the 'boomn in the
southern section of our State. and on which Sac
ramento and her various tributaries in Northern
California must depend for all the progress now
assured through an influx of people from
abroad. These people came from land whose
seasons sre bo. the Attenuation from the burning